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Space-based Distance Learning for ITIs

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Department of Space (DoS), Government of India represented by its Development & Educational Communication Unit (DECU), Ahmedabad has entered into the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, New Delhi, represented by National Instructional Media Institute (NIMI), Chennai to setup a Space-based Distance Learning Programme on July 15, 2016.

MSDE has an ambitious target for increasing skill development in the country for creating a large workforce with appropriate skill sets, as a large mismatch exists between supply and demand of the skilled workforce. The vocational training facilities in the country have grown substantially in the last few years. There are around 2,200 government and 10,800 private Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), constituting the largest vocational training infrastructure in the country.

MSDE plans to extend distance learning to all ITIs in the country, which has potential to benefit around 18 lakh (1.8 million) students, attending courses in different fields. MSDE comprehends that space technology is an important tool which must be leveraged for enhancing and strengthening the training and outreach activities and is keen on adopting satellite based communication to reach out to this large population in a short span of time. Accordingly, a MoU between ISRO and MSDE was signed in the presence of Secretary and Joint Secretaries of MSDE to setup a Space-based Distance Learning Programme (SDLP), which includes the deployment of both interactive and non-interactive terminals in thousands of ITIs spread across the country.

The MoU was exchanged between Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Space and Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Minister of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge) in the august presence of Hon’ble President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee during the "India Skills-2016" event organized at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The occasion was also graced by Hon’ble Ministers Shri Venkaiah Naidu (Urban Development), Smt. Smriti Irani (Textiles) and Shri Prakash Javadekar (Human Resources Development).

The Hon’ble President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee launching the International Skill Centre during the "India Skills-2016" event